Two horses dead after crash at Flamboro Downs in Hamilton

Warning: video contains graphic images

Two horses died after a freak head on collision during a harness race at Flamboro Downs in rural Hamilton Thursday night.

According to Standardbred Canada, horses Buckbuckbuck March and A Sudden Twist slammed into each other at full speed and had to be put down because of their injuries.

“Please join Standardbred Canada (in) sharing condolences with the connections of Buckbuckbuck Mach and A Sudden Twist," a statement on the Standardbred Canada website reads.

The collision happened when horse Banana Joes Bar made a push for the lead on the first turn, which set off a chain reaction to trailing horses and drivers, it said.

Horse Buckbuckbuck Mach couldn't avoid the first horse and slammed into it from behind. Buckbuckbuck Mach managed to get back up to his feet but then veered the wrong way on the racetrack and eventually ran directly into the path of the rest of the racers.

Just after the second turn, Buckbuckbuck Mach collided head-on with A Sudden Twist.

Officials from Flamboro Downs told equestrian magazine Trot Insider the drivers involved in the race didn't need medical attention, but the horses had to be euthanized.

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